Nigerian Musician 9ice Breaks Up With His Wife

HIP hop star, 9ice and his beautiful wife Toni Payne; with whom he tied the knots last year; are separating. The couple have agreed to separate for a while, although they will continue to remain good friends and business partners, a source said.A source close to the family said their baby Zion will reside with Toni for now. "This is a very very tough decision for the couple, and it"s a tough, even trying time for the young partnership we all admire so much. And they're even the more constrained to make this announcement; knowing it will shatter many of their fans, and admirers inside and outside the country. But they have both agreed to be responsible about the development, and make public what is necessary, to avoid unnecessary speculations, and rumours. "And it is their wish that we all respect their privacy at this period. For now, neither 9ice nor Toni will be granting any press interviews on this matter," the source said. That 9ice has grown from an upcoming singer-performer, to become one of Africa"s most promising exports, is not just as a result of his talent, hard work and can-do spirit; but because the media in Nigeria (print, broadcast and online) have been extremely kind to him and his music.